Lyon was aware of the Legionnaires' outbreak in Genesee County at least one year before he informed the public, according to court documents. Although legionnaires' disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart. Wells has been accused of making threats to cut funding to the Flint Area Community Health and Environment Partnership if they pushed forward with research into the origins of the Legionnaire's outbreak.

Previously, 13 other employees and officials had been arrested in related charges including misconduct in office and conspiracy to commit false pretenses. "They are baseless", Lyon's attorney, Chip Chamberlain, said Wednesday.

"If that happens, we are more than wiling to make him available once again for an interview".

Top health officials in the state knew about the outbreak for months, investigators said, but did nothing to warn the public.

January 5, 2016: Snyder declares a state of emergency in Flint, the same day federal officials confirm that they are investigating. People in Flint have died as a result of decisions made by the individuals we are charging today.

Nadal rolls to his 10th French Open titleWawrinka, the Swiss player ranked third in the world , had nothing in his arsenal to counteract Nadal's attack. Elina Svitolina, a quarterfinalist at the French Open , rose one spot to a career-high No. 5.

At a news conference, Attorney General Bill Schuette told reporters the announcement is about restoring accountability and trust.

Charges will only be brought where the evidence warrants them, Schuette said. He later revealed that investigators have been unable to speak with Snyder about his role in the catastrophe. "We were not successful", he said.

It has never been fully explained how crucial information didn't reach the governor, or why the Snyder administration allowed the people of Flint to use undrinkable water for so long. But, she added, "restorative justice and accountability are critical to the journey toward healing Flint".

In 2014, Flint's water source switched from Lake Huron to the Flint River.

Lyon is the highest-ranking official yet to be prosecuted for the water crisis. Michigan's attorney general continues to investigate the Flint lead crisis.